Planning Ahead With Healthy Office Snacks

We've all been there before, and whether we like it or not, we know it's better to eat healthy office snacks. You know the feeling... It's 3 P.M., you've hit a wall and you're dying at your desk. It's too early to eat dinner, but it's past lunch and you're hungry. Don't starve yourself, but don't hit the vending machine for some fatty foods, either. Take charge and remember to pack some of these healthy office snacks into your meal management system.

Popcorn

For a snack that is easy to eat at your desk and doesn't take much effort to make, popcorn is an ideal way to beat the midday hunger blues. Obviously, the idea isn't to run out and get the heartiest buttered popcorn you can find. Instead, look for organic and non-buttered/salted alternatives. Take control of your intake and decide what you want to add to your popcorn to keep it healthy.

Oatmeal

If you're into living a healthy lifestyle, the idea of oatmeal isn't revolutionary. It's probably a staple food when it comes to early morning breakfasts on-the-go. But a fine question is, why should you only eat oatmeal in the morning? This fiber-rich food source only weighs in at 110 calories a serving and is great for lowering cholesterol and helping to lower the risk of heart disease.

Hard-Boiled Eggs

With a fine balance of fiber, fat, protein and nutrients, one single hard-boiled egg can completely turn your day around. Coming in at about 80 calories per serving, it's incredibly easy to make this style of egg and be satisfied. Simply cover your eggs in a saucepan with one to two inches of cold water, bring them to a boil and add in a few drops of vinegar and a pinch of salt. Remove the saucepan once boiling for several seconds and return them to low heat. After one minute, take the pan off again, cover and then let them sit for up to 12 minutes. Bathe in cold water and you'll be ready to go.

Nut Butter

Need some energy at your desk? The healthy office snack that can help the most to provide a boost is any kind of nut butter. With a single dollop of peanut butter, almond butter or cashew butter, you'll receive a big mix of fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals that will keep you moving in the latter half of your day.

Single Serving of Chocolate w/ Nuts

It seems sacrilegious to suggest to fitness freaks that chocolate can be good for you. Yet, there truly are some health benefits that eating chocolate provides, especially when doing so in moderation. Keep a single piece of dark chocolate at your desk, preferably with nuts, and you'll get a mix of antioxidants, proteins and fat that will have you feeling good. Just don't bring the whole bag to work.

Eating smart can sometimes be a struggle. It seems so easy to walk to the vending machine instead of going to the market and getting a nutritious treat. By packing your meal management system with a few healthy office snacks or even storing some in your desk, you'll be able to avoid hunger pains all day long at work.